Healthcare Economics and Policy in Diabetic Foot Care

<i>Background:</i> Diabetic foot ailment is a severe and multifaceted complication of diabetes mellitus that imposes significant scientific, economic, and societal burdens worldwide. Its high prevalence, coupled with complications such as ulcers, infections, and amputations, contributes substantially to morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. <i>Aim:</i> This chapter aims to examine diabetic foot care through the perspectives of health-care economics and policy, highlighting the global burden, associated costs, and strategies to improve outcomes. <i>Methods:</i> The chapter reviews epidemiological data on diabetic foot disease, analyses the economic burden including direct medical expenses, productivity losses, and psychosocial impacts and critically appraises health-economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness and cost-utility studies. Policy analysis is conducted to explore international and national strategies, regulatory frameworks, and reimbursement mechanisms. Care models, including multidisciplinary teams, community-based programmes, telemedicine, and integrated care pathways, are also assessed. <i>Results:</i> Findings reveal considerable regional variation in disease burden, risk factors, and economic costs. Evidence supports the value of preventive measures, multidisciplinary clinics, and advanced wound-care technologies in improving health outcomes and cost efficiency. However, persistent gaps remain, including inequitable access to care, underfunding, workforce shortages, and socioeconomic disparities. <i>Conclusions:</i> A comprehensive, integrated approach is essential to effectively address diabetic foot disease. Strengthening preventive efforts, adopting innovative technologies, ensuring universal health coverage, and implementing data-driven policies can reduce the global burden, improve patient outcomes, and achieve cost-efficient, equitable care.